Meet Nicki Schmidt

Home chapter – Beta Kappa @ Bowling Green State University
Initiation period – Spring 2015
Graduation date – May 2016
Major or study concentration – Graphic Design
Main Instrument – French Horn
Current profession – Graphic Designer
Current city – Bowling Green, OH

Why did you join KKPsi or what drew you KKPsi? – "I actually didn't go out for KKPsi until I was a Junior. I spent my first couple years of college being very shy and introverted. When I joined the uniform committee for marching band my sophomore year, I met people from both KKPsi and TBS, this was my first experience with these band organizations and I thought it was awesome that a group of people could help the bands so much. The next year I was leadership of my section in marching band, which helped me get out of my shell more and I finally had the courage to go out for KKPsi. I loved the being able to meet people outside of my own section that loved band as much as I did. It was a very welcoming experience and I wouldn't change it for the world."

What positions or responsibilities did you hold in your chapter? – "I was the Fundraising Committee Head my final year as an active. When I came in as fundraising chair, our chapters funds were very low. I held different fundraisers such as our Marching Band Clothing Sale, bake sales, restaurant fundraisers, convention merchandise, and we saw a definite increase in our funds that year. It was awesome to see that I was able to contribute something to my chapter."

Name a favorite memory from your Active membership. – "One of my favorite memories would have to be building a halloween gingerbread house with my Big and Little! The first weekend after I got my little we went to a band outreach at a high school, and then went to my Big's apartment and we built a Halloween themed gingerbread house. We had so many laughs that night, and it was a great bonding experience for all of us. We failed at making the gingerbread house stand so we just smashed it and then ate all the black icing!"

How has KKPsi helped you in the "real world"? (professionally or personally, or both) – "Kappa Kappa Psi has helped me learn the importance of teamwork. In KKPsi we work as a team to provide the best we can for the bands, it is never an individual effort. This also applies to my job environment working with my coworkers, providing the best work and product we can for the customers. More personally, KKPsi has helped me gain confidence in leadership and trust. I was able to grow as a person being around a group of people who share the same interests and values as I do. I am more confident in myself and the work that I do because of the support I received from my brothers during my time being active. I could never be more thankful for that."

What are you most looking forward to as a member of the NCDAA? – "I am looking forward to connecting with other Alumni brothers. I still stay connected with the family that are active and still in college, but I think that having an alumni association is a great way for graduates to still stay connected with brothers even if they don't have any connection left with their home chapter."

Name one thing you want to get out of the NCDAA. – "To continue my experience as a brother and be able to make new connections with other KKPsi alumni, and continue to grow my knowledge from new experiences."

Name any of your personal social media accounts that you would like people to connect with you. – Instagram: @Schminkz

Name any other contact information that you are willing to share. – "I do have a website that features my graphic design work: www.nickischmidtdesigns.com as well as my design work email nicki.schmidt.designs@gmail.com."